Waggle weight

ABSTRACT

A waggle weight point and a waggle weight are disdosed that are provided on a golf club. A process that may be computer implemented establishes the waggle weight point. A waggle weight scale with a fulcrum set to the waggle weight point may be utilized to determine the waggle weight. Disclosed is producing golf clubs with the waggle weight.

This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application No.60/622,996 filed Oct. 28, 2004, the entire disclosure of which is hereinincorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD & BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to the field of golf clubs. Morespecifically, the present invention relates to golf clubs with a waggleweight.

There is a constant search in the golfing industry to find new ways tohelp increase the performance of golfers. The present invention deliversenhanced performance by providing higher quality feedback to golfersfrom golf clubs.

A swing is any movement begun with a conscious intent to strike a golfball. A pre-swing starts with any thought or action to prepare forstriking the golf ball and ends with the start of the swing. An addressis a portion of the pre-swing initiated when taking one's stance overthe golf ball and ended with the start of the swing.

A waggle is a motion performed during the pre-swing that providesfeedback to a golfer regarding the golf club about to be swung. A waggleusually produces a rotation point about a golf club, called a waggleweight point. The rotation results in an effective club head weight(could also be interpreted as an effective golf club total weight)sensed by the golfer when performing a waggle. This feeling obtainedduring the pre-swing can greatly impact on one's setup and subsequentgolf swing.

One area of difficulty preventing the accomplishment of higher qualityfeedback to make more precise golf clubs is traditional swing weighting.Swing weight scales use a static fulcrum position, almost alwaysfourteen inches, rarely twelve, from the grip end of a golf club, tomake golf clubs to particular swing weights. The problem is swingweighting is a one-size-fits-all attempt to balance and match variousgolf clubs to different golfers in an effort to improve playability.

For many golfers swing weight does not work effectively. The presentinvention positions a fulcrum at an established waggle weight point.Golf clubs can now be produced based on waggle weight. Waggle weight isan alterable, measurable golf club value instituted when a golf club isplaced against a fulcrum located at a waggle weight point. Using thepresent invention, golf clubs henceforth can be efficiently scaled forfar more golfers than has ever been possible before. Once a waggleweight point is matched to a particular pre-swing style, an assessmentto determine a waggle weight value can take place based on the waggleweight point position. Upon finding a preferred waggle weight, golfclubs can be made to the waggle weight in order to improve golfers'consistency of swinging and performance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described by way of exemplary embodiments,but not limitations, illustrated in the accompanying drawings in whichlike references denote similar elements, and in which:

FIG. 1A illustrates a drawing of a golf club and a golfer, in accordancewith one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1B illustrates another drawing of a golf club and a golfer, inaccordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 illustrates a drawing of a waggle weight scale with an electronicdisplay, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 illustrates a drawing of a waggle weight scale with a mechanicaldisplay, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 illustrates a flow chart of a method, in accordance with oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 illustrates a drawing of a golf club, a golfer, and acomputer-implemented process, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 illustrates a system to produce a golf club with a waggle weight,in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 illustrates another system to produce a golf club with a waggleweight, in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, awaggle weight point disposed about a golf club and the golf club havinga waggle weight, a waggle weight scale with a fulcrum, a method forestablishing a waggle weight point, determining a waggle weight, andproducing at least one golf club with the waggle weight, acomputer-implemented process for locating a waggle weight point, andsystems for locating a waggle weight point, determining a waggle weight,and generating golf clubs with the waggle weight.

Various aspects of the illustrative embodiments will be described usingterms commonly employed by those skilled in the art to convey thesubstance of their work to others skilled in the art. However, it willbe apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention maybe practiced with only some of the described aspects. For purposes ofexplanation, specific numbers, materials and configurations are setforth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the illustrativeembodiments. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthe present invention may be practiced without the specific details. Inother instances, well-known features are omitted or simplified in ordernot to obscure the illustrative embodiments.

Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations, inturn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the presentinvention, however, the order of description should not be construed asto imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. Inparticular, these operations need not be performed in the order ofpresentation.

The phrase “in one embodiment” is used repeatedly. The phrase generallydoes not refer to the same embodiment, however, it may. The terms“comprising,” “having,” and “including” are synonymous, unless thecontext dictates otherwise.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, in one embodiment, three dimensions X, Y, andZ are shown. Illustrated is a golf club 10 as having a grip end 12 and aclub head end 14. Also portrayed are a first force 16 and a second force18 that are applied to the golf club 10 by a golfer 15, thereby creatingone common form of waggle movement. The pre-swing, address and anywaggle or waggles occur while preparing to hit a golf ball 20, beforethe golfer 15 begins a swing. Some golfers might waggle only once priorto starting their swings, while others may repeat the maneuver manytimes ahead of attempting to strike the golf ball 20. A waggle motionhabitually produces a rotation 24 of the golf club 10 about a waggleweight point 26. The waggle weight point location 26 may be specific toeach golfer 15 and can vary substantially from golfer to golfer based onindividual pre-swing routines. All golfers' waggle weight points willlie within a waggle weight point range 30. The waggle weight point range30 could be in a range of 0 to 36 inches from the grip end 12 of thegolf club.

Referring now to FIG. 1B, in one embodiment, three dimensions X, Y, andZ are shown. Illustrated are a golf ball 20 and a golf club 10 having agrip end 12 and a club head end 14. Also portrayed are a third force 17and a fourth force 19 that are applied to the golf club 10 by a golfer15, thereby creating another common form of waggle movement.Gravitational energy about the golf club may be felt by the golfer inthe course of such movement. Waggle motions habitually produce arotation 24 of the golf club 10 about a waggle weight point 26.

While the embodiments portrayed in FIGS. 1A and 1B could each be theall-inclusive waggle style of two different golfers, the two depictionsmay also represent individual segments of a more comprehensive waggle ofa single golfer, with movements shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B that couldoccur during different time frames. Waggles, therefore, can havethree-dimensional components, with rotation points (point positionscould be in the same place or different locations) that may beobservable and analyzable from different planes of view as well as atdifferent times during a golfer's pre-swing waggle or waggles. Wagglemovements, including those portrayed in FIGS. 1A and 1B, can involve theentire body, and may include a temporary lifting of each foot away fromthe ground and a swaying by the golfer in the course of waggling.Consequently, FIGS. 1A and 1B golf club motions may also contain othervertical, horizontal, and even circular ingredients.

Referring to FIG. 2, in one embodiment, illustrated is one embodiment ofa waggle weight scale 40 with a fulcrum 42 and an electronic display 43.The fulcrum 42 may be permanently fixed at one point or may be variable.It is understood that the electronic display 43 could be placed on thewaggle weight scale 40 or the electronic display 43 could be in anyother location such as remotely connected that would operably couple theelectronic display 43 to the waggle weight scale 40 while allowing anoperator to view the electronic display 43 conveniently. The fulcrum 42will be set to the waggle weight point 26 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, assumingidentical locations for the waggle weight point 26 in both figures. Forvariable fulcrum waggle weight scales, a waggle weight rule 44 may beincluded. The rule 44 can have increments 46 to allow the fulcrum 42 tobe set at a position that corresponds to the waggle weight point 26location. The waggle weight rule 44 may have increments 46 to each1/32nd of an inch or 1 millimeter. The electronic display 43 will readout a value that is equal to the waggle weight 48 of the golf club 10.The waggle weight 48 of a golf club 10 can be modified; waggle weightscale preprogramming may be furnished in order to supply varying waggleweight balance readings at each accessible waggle weight point fulcrumlocation.

Successive values of swing weight on past swing weight scale designs aredistinguished by changes of one eighth of an ounce of weight deviationon the very end of a golf club at the grip side for the standard,fourteen-inch, fixed-fulcrum scale model, over a range of generally 11 ½through 19 ounces. Variations of one tenth of an ounce, usuallythroughout a range of 0 to 28 ounces, characterize consecutive readingson the twelve-inch, static-fulcrum model, called the Official Scale. Thelower numbers on the Official Scale are conventionally used formeasuring the gross weights of individual golf club components orassembled golf clubs and are not ordinarily used for swing weighting.The foregoing figures can be considered for a waggle weight scaleconfiguration, or an entirely new format may be developed as desired.Addressing this particular parameter could warrant initially matching atest group of golfers with their respective waggle weight pointsprecisely. Additional research might then be conducted regarding howmuch a golf club's balance about their waggle weight points needs to bemanipulated before the players notice a difference in performance. Itmay be discovered that weight change statistics surrounding waggleweight do not coincide with values chosen for previous golf clubbalancing scales, thus promoting design revision in this area.

Referring to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, illustrated is a waggle weightscale 40 with a fulcrum 42 and a mechanical balance 52. Again thefulcrum 42 will be set to the waggle weight point 26 of FIG. 1A and FIG.1B, assumed to be at like positions in both depictions. A waggle weightrule 44 may be included with variable fulcrum waggle weight scales andcan include increments 46 to allow the fulcrum 42 to be conveniently andprecisely set at a position that corresponds to the waggle weight point26 location. The mechanical balance 52, which might be alterable inorder to provide accurate waggle weight values as the fulcrum positionvaries, will provide a reading that is equal to the waggle weight 48 ofthe golf club 10 when the golf club 10 is balanced on the fulcrum 42.

Notwithstanding perhaps the inclusion of waggle weight point locationinformation as part of a waggle weight value, balance-changing unitdesignations on a waggle weight scale 40 may be formatted to any usedfor previous swing weight scale designs, such as ounces, grams, orinch-ounce numbers represented by assigned letter-number labelsincluding C-5, D-2, E-0, or a completely new measuring scheme can bedevised. Each available waggle weight point position may have its owndistinct formulation for defining and designating waggle weights.Consequently, variable-fulcrum waggle weight scales might incorporateappropriate designs to achieve scale recalibrations throughout theaccessible waggle weight point range. It may be possible to convert someexisting swing weight scale models into waggle weight devices withoutcompletely starting from the beginning, depending upon validated waggleweight scale parameters.

The waggle weight of a golf club may be figured by manual calculation inlieu of a waggle weight scale. For each individual golf club, a balancepoint can be located as a spot where a fulcrum is positioned when thegolf club rests perfectly horizontal on the fulcrum. A total weight ofthe golf club is measured at this center of gravity location, and adistance is determined from this same point to the very end of the golfclub at the grip side. From this length is subtracted a decided waggleweight point, which is also a distance from the grip end of the golfclub. The difference is multiplied by the above-measured weight in orderto obtain a rotational force, or torque, existing at the waggle weightpoint. If the lengths are measured in inches and the weight in ounces,the calculation result will be in units of inch-ounces. Inch-ouncenumbers can be referenced against designations that may be developed forwaggle weight values in order to obtain the waggle weight of the golfclub. Dividing an inch-ounce figure by the waggle weight point distancecan reveal the exact amount of weight required to be placed on the veryend of the golf club at the grip side in order to balance the golf clubin equilibrium when the club is resting level on the fulcrum at thewaggle weight point, for which reference material may also be madeavailable. This waggle weight calculation, and the scales portrayed inFIGS. 2 and 3, may indicate the gravity (vertical) force component(s)felt by a golfer when waggling, characterized by a sensation ofoperative golf club head weight or total weight and more closelydepicted by forces 17 and 19 in the movement of FIG. 1B. If lateralpre-swing energies (more closely associated with FIG. 1A and forces 16and 18) and/or any other energies developed and felt during waggling aredeemed to be as crucial or even more so toward subsequent swingperformance, then other apparatus to measure those applied forces aroundwaggle weight points and help make golf clubs accordingly can bedevised/utilized as desired.

Referring to FIG. 4, in one embodiment, illustrated is providing amethod to produce golf clubs with a waggle weight. Shown are analyze atleast one movement of at least one golfer 62 and establish a waggleweight point from the at least one movement 64. A waggle weight pointlocation might be positively ascertained through the use of acomputer-implemented process. An attempt to locate a waggle weight pointposition may also be made by human observation. Forasmuch as waggleweight points are found out from information acquired before a swing isbegun, the hitting of golf balls and even golf club swinging may not beessential in order to succeed at finding waggle weight point solutions.Establishing the waggle weight point location might be based on thepre-swing waggling motion of a single player, or the point's positioncould be an average of multiple findings conducted within appointedgolfer categories. In cases where perhaps different planes of analysis,separate waggles, and/or other factors may reveal variant waggle weightpoints for the same individual, further investigation might be initiatedto determine which waggle weight point and its associated pre-swingaction is most crucial to the golfers subsequent swing performance, orselected results could be averaged. Also depicted is determine a waggleweight using the waggle weight point 65. It may be desired to notreevaluate for waggle weight point location each time a waggle weight isdetermined, in which case the named waggle weight point may be apreviously decided value from a former probe. Golfing performance mightbe evaluated at various golf club waggle weights, which are alterable,about the placed waggle weight point. A preferred waggle weight may beselected. The waggle weight choice could be secured by the analysis of aspecific golfer, or the decision might be supported by a larger study.Waggle weight readings can be obtained by using a waggle weight scale.Waggle weight values may also be manually figured. Subsequently shown isproduce at least one golf club with the waggle weight 66. In addition tonew club construction, the waggle weight method can also be applied onexisting golf clubs.

Referring to FIG. 5, in one embodiment, is a computer-implementedprocess for calculating the location of a waggle weight point 26.Illustrated are dimensions X, Y, and Z. Due to the complexities ofgolfers' waggle motions, computer implementation to authoritatively andconsistently locate waggle weight points precisely is significant towardeffective golf club waggle weighting for golfers. Provided is collectinggolf club motion data and locating a waggle weight point 26 from thedata. A waggle weight point 26 may correspond to a fulcrum rotationpoint developed during pre-swing waggling and can be calculated by acomputer 80. Shown is a first waggle position 67 where facts can becollected. Data may also be gathered at a second waggle position 68. Incalculating the waggle weight point 26 location, the waggle weight point26 can be equal to a distance A. Computer-generated vectors may becreated to produce a right triangle ABC. Where angle θ may be an anglebetween the first waggle position 67 and a second waggle position 68.Where B can be a distance between the first waggle position 67 and thesecond waggle position 68 and is at a right angle to A. Where A may becalculated as A=B/tanθ. Tangent solutions for angles are widelyavailable from mathematical source material. Automated calculation ofwaggle weight points can be rendered using a primarycomputer-implemented process by design. Exceeding that, it may bedesirable to compose a more detailed computer-implemented process, whichmight save and reproduce all relevant golfing action in a manner moreunderstandable and useful than can be realized without acomputer-implemented process. One example could be a pre-swing firstsaved as data and then exhibited in slow motion, whereby with such atool a waggle weight point might be obtained, studied, and explainedmore manually if preferred, yet with considerable precision due to thedecisive computer-implemented process. Furthermore, the saved data canbe referenced against any past/future examination in order to monitorfor changes in pre-swing movement and/or waggle weight point. Inconsequence, a computer-implemented process to locate waggle weightpoints might also be utilized for perhaps research and teachingpurposes.

With scientific means now available to more accurately andauthoritatively determine any golfer's waggle weight point than could beaccomplished by human observation alone, a computer-implemented processmay also be applied to subsequently help determine golfers' waggleweights, based perhaps on the swing timing and/or other determinedcharacteristics of analyzed golfers.

Referring to FIG. 6, in one embodiment, a system 70 is illustrated tolocate a waggle weight point 26 and derive a waggle weight 48. Threedimensions X, Y and Z are shown. A golf club 10 might be outfitted withat least one transmitter 72 that may be capable of presenting adequateinformation to position a waggle weight point, whereupon the golf club10 could be a first test golf club. The transmitter(s) can likewise beplaced on the golfer being tested if appropriate. The transmitter(s) 72may supply at least one signal 78 to track movement of the golf club 10.If the signal(s) 78 from the transmitter(s) 72 cannot be directlyanalyzed by a computer 80, at least one receiver 76 can be employed thatcould acquire and format the signal(s) 78 from the transmitter(s) 72.The computer 80 inputs information from the receiver(s) 76 and mayutilize a computer-implemented process to decipher the location of awaggle weight point 26 disposed about the golf club 10 during a golferspre-swing waggle or waggles. A scale 40 with a fulcrum 42 has itsfulcrum 42 set at the waggle weight point 26 location. When the fulcrum42 is set at a position that corresponds to the waggle weight point 26,a waggle weight 48 can be derived on a golf club 10. Waggle weight 48,which is alterable, may then be analyzed. Given is determining thegolfer's waggle weight. This could be accomplished by using a golf club10, thereupon the golf club 10 might be a second test golf club, and thescale 40 with its fulcrum 42 set at the waggle weight point 26 position.Various waggle weight values can be tried and rated pursuant to thegolfer's performance. This would customarily be completed throughhitting golf balls and scrutinizing ball travel characteristicsfollowing golf club contact and/or information obtained concerning thequality of performed swings. A computer-implemented process may also bedesigned and utilized for this task in order to obtain more scientificresults if desired. A favored waggle weight 48 may be selected.Accordingly provided is at least one golf club produced with thedetermined waggle weight. Additional golf clubs could also be formed tothe golfer's, or any golfer's, determined waggle weight in order tobetter fit the specific movement of individual players.

First and second test golf clubs may take on several forms. For example,a first test golf club, which could be used for waggle weight pointascertainment, might be nothing more than a golfer's own personal clubtemporarily fitted with a portable sensor placed externally upon thegolf club for the purpose of detecting the location of a waggle weightpoint. Alternately, a specialized golf club may be fabricated that canbe used for waggle weight point location detection in which at least onesensor could be situated within the golf club along with applicableinformation pre-programmed into a computer process. Regarding a secondtest golf club, what might be exploited to determine a waggle weight, agolfer's own personal club may again be used and in fact it could be theidentical golf club used as a first test golf club if it is suitable forboth assignments. However, typical completed golf clubs do not usuallyallow for head weights to be adjusted downward enough to enable anacceptable testing range of waggle weight values, and even when possiblea common procedure of adding and removing adhesive lead tape to clubheads in order to change waggle weights can be awkward and timeconsuming. Therefore, a distinct golf club may also be designed fordetermining waggle weights. The club might have variable mass,changeable weights to permit accurate waggle weighting at differentwaggle weight point locations, as variant waggle weight points couldnecessitate applying differing weight magnitudes to change the waggleweight an equal amount. Specific weight measures may be tied toparticular waggle weight point positions. Weight adjustments to alterwaggle weight readings are typically made to the club head of a golfclub, though not always. When not engaged in explicit duties, first andsecond test golf clubs are simply golf clubs. Generally speaking, usinggolf clubs with overall specifications as close as possible to what isbelieved best for the golfer or golfers being analyzed, or in place ofthat knowledge what might be considered within a normal range, may avoidundesirable imprecision during testing, as well as possible golferinjury.

Referring to FIG. 7, in one embodiment, a system 90 to discover theposition of a waggle weight point 26 and originate a waggle weight 48 isillustrated. Three dimensions X, Y and Z are shown. At least one sensor92 is disposed about a golf club 10, at which point the golf club 10 canbe a first test golf club. The sensor(s) 92 might be at least a selectedone of a camera, an optical sensor, and an infrared sensor focused onthe golf club 10. The at least one sensor could also be disposed about agolfer 15 if considered advantageous toward, as examples, establishing awaggle weight point and relating results more decisively. A computer 80inputs data 94 from the sensor(s) 92 and may employ acomputer-implemented process to interpret the data 94 and position awaggle weight point 26 disposed about the golf club 10 during apre-swing. The procedure for locating a waggle weight point might berepeated multiple times with different golfers if perhaps the goal is toobtain an average waggle weight point position for a more mass-producedgolf club operation. A scale 40 with a fulcrum 42 has its fulcrum 42 setto the selected waggle weight point 26 location. When the fulcrum 42 isplaced at a position that corresponds with the waggle weight point 26, awaggle weight 48 of a golf club 10 is originated. Provided isdetermining a waggle weight, which is alterable. This may be achieved byutilizing a golf club 10, which at this stage could be a second testgolf club, and the scale 40 with its fulcrum 42 set to the waggle weightpoint 26 location. Different waggle weights can be tested and ranked foreffectiveness based on golfing performance of the player or playersbeing investigated. A preferred waggle weight 48 may be chosen. Thewaggle weight value might be based on golf ball flight/roll observationafter being struck, golfer feedback concerning the feeling(s) sensed inthe course of swinging, and/or computer data acquired throughout golfingaction. Subsequently given is producing golf clubs to the waggle weight.A decided waggle weight could be applied to create an open-ended numberof golf clubs aimed at benefiting either particular players or generalplayer categories.

In addition to the advancements concerning complete golf clubs and golfclub measuring devices covered herein by the present invention, theintroduction of the golf club specification named waggle weight can alsobe responsible for new and improved designs of golf club componentsincluding club heads, shafts, grips, and other clubmaking tools.

Thus, it can be seen from the above descriptions, a computer-implementedprocess for locating a waggle weight point, a novel device having afulcrum set at a waggle weight point for determining waggle weights andproducing golf clubs with waggle weights, a method for generating golfclubs with waggle weights, a golf club with a waggle weight, and systemsutilizing said method, process, and devices have been described. Whilethe present invention has been related in terms of the foregoingembodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the inventionis not limited to the embodiments depicted. The present invention can bepracticed with modification and alteration within the spirit and scopeof the appended claims. Thus, the description is to be regarded asillustrative instead of restrictive on the present invention.

1. A process comprising: collecting golf club motion data; and locatinga waggle weight point from the data.
 2. The process of claim 1, whereinthe waggle weight point is determined as a rotation point about a golfclub.
 3. The process of claim 1, wherein the golf club motion occursduring a pre-swing.
 4. The process of claim 1, wherein the golf clubmotion occurs during at least one waggle movement.
 5. The process ofclaim 1, wherein the waggle weight point location is where the waggleweight point is a distance A, and A=B/tanθ; where B is a distancebetween a first waggle position and a second waggle position and at aright angle to A; and where angle θ is an angle between the first waggleposition and the second waggle position.
 6. The process of claim 1,wherein the waggle weight point is located where there is zero golf clubmotion relative to the remainder of the golf club during at least onewaggle movement.
 7. The process of claim 1, comprising software.
 8. Theprocess of claim 1, comprising hardware.
 9. A computer-implementedprocess comprising: analyzing the movement of at least one golfer toproduce data; and establishing a waggle weight point from the data. 10.The computer-implemented process of claim 9, wherein the waggle weightpoint is determined as a rotation point about a golf club.
 11. Thecomputer-implemented process of claim 9, wherein the movement takesplace during a pre-swing.
 12. The computer-implemented process of claim9, wherein the movement occurs in the course of waggle creation.
 13. Thecomputer-implemented process of claim 9, wherein the data is collectedfrom at least a first waggle position and a second waggle position. 14.The computer-implemented process of claim 9, wherein the waggle weightpoint is located where there is zero motion of a golf club relative tothe remainder of the golf club during waggling movement.
 15. A processcomprising: analyzing the performance data of at least one golfer; anddetermining a waggle weight from the data.
 16. The process of claim 15,wherein the waggle weight is determined as a swing-regulating, pre-swinggolf club specification.
 17. The process of claim 15, wherein theperformance data comprises golf ball travel information after beingstruck.
 18. The process of claim 15, wherein the performance datacomprises timing information of a golf swing.
 19. The process of claim15, comprising software.
 20. The process of claim 15, comprisinghardware.